Jose Gonzalez & Junip: Agents of Dark Pop

When writing this post it is May 12th 2013, we should be outside enjoying intimate togetherness, dabble in the waters of our surroundings or jointly running on meadows. Hence the music should be blithe, sound and happy. Yet mother nature gives us another spring of incalculable weather and temperature-depressions leading to a lack of emotions. A perfect opportunity to discover a fairly new musical genre filling the hole in our hearts: Dark Pop.

Now, we ought to be careful not to confuse Dark Pop and some kind of “emo-suicide-fuck-my-life” – Ballad. The latter we’ll not be of my concern for now. Despite the fact that Dark Pop also features a dark acoustic pattern the songs often contain a lot of life. An eloquent political statement made into a song that gently persuades you while listening. A band that understands this musicianship better than most other bands currently is called Junip. The trio from Sweden are one of these indie/folk acts that can easily be designated as the pioneers of Dark Pop. Whether it’s the mellow melodies, the strong statements or the thought-provoking videos that characterizes the band – it does fit the genre and it does fit the volatile times we’re in.

The Insider: Some of you might have recognized the voice already. Singer, songwriter and guitarist of Junip is none other than José Gonzaléz who had numerous hits himself, like: “Heartbeats”, “Teardrops” or “Killing for Love”.

Part I and II of Junips new Videoclips feature a tremendous story on what choices to take in life. I am finishing this post with YouTube-User’s theedgeofadream words:

“The story of a tormented old man, stuck in a relationship that perhaps was not his choice, or preference. We see fragments from childhood, the first awkward kiss, the father watching over him. Making sure he follows the right path. The old man, like all of us, a person programmed by the convictions and beliefs of others. In the case of the old man, the unconscious suddenly manifest itself when a young, jeans wearing character appears in their home, forcing him to question who he really is.”